Shillong, Sep 15: The Federation of All School Teachers of Meghalaya (FASTOM) has decided to hold a rally and an indefinite sit-in demonstration in Shillong and Tura to secure pending demands.
The decision was taken at a general meeting held on September 13 at Dobasipara in West Garo Hills, which was attended by members of the association from all districts of the State to discuss measures to be taken to make the government pay heed on their issues, especially in relation to the payment of their salary.
The ad hoc teachers have been demanding benefits for the ad hoc teachers, which include upgradation to the deficit system, a 5 per cent annual increment, and the extension of the retirement age from 60 to 65 years.
FASTOM Vice President Sanborn Jungai said the protest will begin with a rally followed by an indefinite sit-in demonstration at Malki playground on September 22. Similar protest will also be held in Tura on September 24.
Jungai said the ad hoc school teachers are among the most neglected teachers in Meghalaya despite the contributions made in the upliftment of education in the state.
The ad hoc teachers are also dissatisfied with the report of the Meghalaya State Education Commission constituted in July 2023. Jungai said the final report of the commission submitted to the government did not include any recommendations to increase the pay of the ad hoc teachers.
FASTOM highlighted their plight living on meagre salaries stating they are now faced with challenges in ensuring quality education for their own children due to financial constraints.
